Canon announced a new firmware update for the Canon EOS-1D X and 1D C DSLR cameras. it is scheduled to be posted on the Canon U.S.A. website in January 2014. Users will be able to download and install the new firmware on their own, or have it installed by an authorized Canon Factory Service Center to be available in November.
The EOS-1D X will get exposure compensation with Auto ISO along with many other AF enhancements.

Firmware Version 2 for the EOS-1D X is Based on Extensive User Input and Provides More Efficient Autofocus Performance in Low Light, Custom Controls, and Improved User-Programmed Functionality

MELVILLE, N.Y., October 22, 2013 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announces improvements in the functionality and convenient operation of the EOS-1D X Digital SLR camera and the EOS-1D C Digital SLR Cinema camera through new firmware scheduled to be available starting in January 2014 and November 2013, respectively. Firmware enhancements for the EOS-1D X Digital SLR camera are designed to provide photographers with greater creative freedom and speed, especially in sectors such as sports, wedding, nature/wildlife, and journalism, which often contain rapidly changing action, sometimes in low-light environments. Service enhancements for the EOS-1D C Digital SLR Cinema camera improve lens performance, lens status display, metadata storage, and audio recording.

“Canon constantly strives to provide our customers with advanced and innovative technology in our products,” noted Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. “We understand the daily life of photographers, we listen closely to what they have to say, and we use their feedback in our constant efforts to improve existing products and develop new ones. The latest Canon firmware for the flagship EOS-1D X Digital SLR camera provides better automation to help photographers fine-tune how the camera operates moment-by-moment so users can concentrate on creativity and success. Filmmakers have also requested improved functionality for the EOS-1D C Digital SLR Cinema camera, and its new update delivers.”

Improved Operability for the EOS-1D X

Developed as the ultimate Canon EOS camera, the EOS-1D X Digital SLR is designed with foresight that enables its performance to be periodically improved with new firmware upgrades, helping to ensure maximum long-term value for owners and users of the camera. These improvements are engineered to support and advance the evolving creative needs and business imperatives of professional photographers and committed high-end amateurs. The features provided by firmware version 2 are designed for more efficient automation that takes the task of changing settings away from the “heat of the moment” and enables photographers to concentrate on creativity and obtaining valuable shots. Firmware version 2 upgrades and operability additions include a total of 10 features that are now new or improved:

AF Performance with Moving Subjects – For greater creative control, additional parameters have been added to AI Servo 2nd Image Priority, enabling users to adjust these settings for more accurate AF performance according to the situation at hand. Photographers can fine-tune the balance between prioritizing focus versus the framing rate for the second and subsequent shots in a burst.

Enhanced AI Servo AF Performance in Low Light Conditions – The AI Servo focusing algorithm has been improved to allow more time for light sampling during AF activation prior to shutter release, enhancing AF performance in low-light situations. Additionally, initial AF control is now based on the new “+2 focus priority” setting of AI Servo 2nd Image Priority, which has higher distance measurement capabilities under low-light conditions. Upon full depression of the shutter button, settings from AI Servo 1st Image Priority take over and then settings from AI Servo 2nd Image Priority are applied on any subsequent images in the burst. This increases the probability that the first image in a burst sequence will be as sharp as possible.

Improved Acceleration/Deceleration Tracking Parameters – To improve tracking performance of fast-moving subjects that fill the frame, additional parameters for acceleration/deceleration tracking in AI Servo AF have been added to provide photographers with more precise control when photographing rapidly moving subjects that accelerate or decelerate quickly or unexpectedly. In response to feedback from professional photographers, these new settings have been added to handle larger differences in speed (i.e., the rate of change in image magnification) compared to the previous firmware.

Selection of Initial AF Point While Shooting in 61-Point Auto Selection AF – This new option in the AF Menu provides more continuity when switching to 61-Point Auto Selection AF from any other AF Point Selection mode. The option maintains the AF point selected from the previous Selection mode as a starting point for 61-Point Auto Selection AF. It also maintains the ability to change to a pre-programmed AF point when changing the Selection mode. This time-saving option is designed to help eliminate the need to stop and think, and helps photographers to customize their individual shooting style.

AF Point Switching According to Camera Orientation – In addition to programming the EOS-1D X camera to automatically switch to a different AF point and area selection mode based on camera orientation, firmware version 2 adds the option of programming only the AF point according to camera orientation (horizontal, grip up and grip down). This new ability to select up to three different AF points according to camera orientation allows for greater customization of the camera to specific shooting styles.

Expanded Minimum Shutter Speed in Auto ISO – In response to user feedback, this improved functionality in Auto ISO enables photographers to select a minimum shutter speed as high as 1/8000th of a second to freeze moving subjects.

Exposure Compensation in Auto ISO with Manual Mode Set – This new function enables photographers to manually set a desired shutter speed and aperture, use Auto ISO to control the exposure, and use Exposure Compensation to adjust the exposure for challenging lighting conditions (e.g., a very dark or very bright background). This new function can be activated through the Quick Control Dial or by using the Main Dial while pressing the SET button.

or the AF-ON button. Selectable settings that can now be assigned to the AE Lock and AF-ON buttons via Custom Controls include:

Currently selected AF point vs. pre-registered AF point

AI Servo AF configuration sets (Case 1 through Case 6)

One-Shot AF vs. AI Servo AF

Currently selected drive mode vs. 14 fps Super High Speed drive mode

With these new options, photographers can reconfigure their EOS-1D X camera on the fly, while keeping their eye on the viewfinder to maintain concentration on the shot they are trying to get. For example, the camera could be set up for One-Shot AF and single shot drive mode on the shutter button, AI Servo AF in Case 1 with high-speed continuous drive mode on the AE Lock button, and AI Servo AF in Case 4 with super-high-speed 14 fps continuous drive mode on the AF-ON button.

Same Exposure for New Aperture in Manual Mode – This new firmware feature provides users with the ability to maintain consistent exposure levels in Manual mode when the aperture changes, for example when a photographer shoots at maximum aperture with a variable-aperture lens (such as the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM telephoto zoom) or when using a lens equipped with built-in extender (such as the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X). The feature gives users the option to have the camera adjust the shutter speed or the ISO to compensate for the aperture change.

Display Protected Images Only – Users can now page through protected images only via an option on the main dial. This feature already exists with rated images, and is an expansion of that capability.

Enhancements for the EOS-1D C

A versatile, self-contained 4K cinema camera as well as a robust still photography camera, the Canon EOS-1D C will also benefit from a new service update that further enhances the performance of this unique imaging device.

EF Lens Communication – The new service update for the EOS-1D C Digital SLR Cinema camera will enable Canon EF-mount Cinema lenses to store lens metadata in the video recorded by the camera. Furthermore, Canon EF-mount Cinema lenses will be supported by Peripheral Illumination and Chromatic Aberration Correction functions, helping to improve overall image quality [1].

Audio Recording – In response to user requests, audio on the EOS-1D C camera has also been enhanced. Currently audio recording is limited to a MIC input, but the forthcoming service update will permit selection of LINE or MIC input, allowing use of a wider variety of external audio sources.

The update for the Canon EOS-1D C Digital SLR Cinema camera is scheduled to be available November 2013, and will be installed at no charge as a service upgrade that requires the camera to be sent to an authorized Canon Factory Service Center. For more information please visit: www.usa.canon.com/CinemaEOSFirmwareUpdate.

howard wrote:
So this is Canon's answer the the new wave of new products from other companies?

Do you think there is another product besides the D4 that can compete with a 1DX, and a 600mm lens attached to it? I personally think it's great that Canon is further improving this camera which is the working horse for many professionals.

howard wrote:
So this is Canon's answer the the new wave of new products from other companies?

At the risk of sounding like a fanboi, I think what it shows is Canon's commitment to improving products throughout their lifecycle. Some may argue that they should have had certain functionality from the introduction, and that may be a valid criticism, but at least Canon isn't completely deaf to its customers.

I can't say anything about whether Canon has an "answer" to competitors' new products (or even if they should necessarily look at future offerings as "answers" rather than innovations adding to their own product line). Those who know what's going on in the labs and boardrooms aren't talking

As it reads, this "update" is by far the most extensive Canon has ever provided for a 1D series body. Was somewhat surprised to see the depth they've gone to making improvements/advancements. Guess we wait until January - geez, what's up with that?

"Exposure Compensation in Auto ISO with Manual Mode Set – This new function enables photographers to manually set a desired shutter speed and aperture, use Auto ISO to control the exposure, and use Exposure Compensation to adjust the exposure for challenging lighting conditions (e.g., a very dark or very bright background). This new function can be activated through the Quick Control Dial or by using the Main Dial while pressing the SET button."

Wow ... after using the 1DX for just a month (mostly at Brooks River in Katmai for a week last month), this has been the one single thing that I've not been thrilled about with the camera.

why not the EC for AutoISO for the 5D3?
why not the AI Servo tune-up for the 5D3?

Canon has a very jumpy user base and it doesn't make Canon marketing and the Canon system look any better in their userbase's eyes.

They've been dribbling out a working AutoISO for more than a decade now! Such a trivial little thing that other makers have had working even in Rebel-level bodies for ages. And Canon still thinks it needs to be some 'astonishing' 1DX-level only feature?? Name me one person who bought a 1DX instead of a lower model simply because of AutoISO.

And while 5D3 AF is great for one shot and pretty solid for AI Servo, I have had some weird things with AI Servo quite a few times and it sure would be interesting to see if these AF fixes would fix them up. I've had a lot of strange failures when large subjects fill most of the VF and move at slow and slightly unsteady paces where the AF is tossed out of focus, randomly every other frame for no apparent reason and a number of other odd things that have kept the keeper rate down to merely good instead of the amazing I'd hoped I see the more and more I've been getting to shoot more action with it.

But if the 5D3 is supposed to have the same AF as the 1DX other than for the RGB meter assisted mode, then why does the 5D3 not rate the AF tune-up?

(granted it would be hard to install a new firmware until ML managed to get RAW video ported over to it though, migh thave to swap back and forth depending upon what the main targets for the day are, I guess)

BCPete wrote:"Exposure Compensation in Auto ISO with Manual Mode Set – This new function enables photographers to manually set a desired shutter speed and aperture, use Auto ISO to control the exposure, and use Exposure Compensation to adjust the exposure for challenging lighting conditions (e.g., a very dark or very bright background). This new function can be activated through the Quick Control Dial or by using the Main Dial while pressing the SET button."

Wow ... after using the 1DX for just a month (mostly at Brooks River in Katmai for a week last month), this has been the one single thing that I've not been thrilled about with the camera.

why not the EC for AutoISO for the 5D3?
why not the AI Servo tune-up for the 5D3?

Canon has a very jumpy user base and it doesn't make Canon marketing and the Canon system look any better in their userbase's eyes.

They've been dribbling out a working AutoISO for more than a decade now! Such a trivial little thing that other makers have had working even in Rebel-level bodies for ages. And Canon still thinks it needs to be some 'astonishing' 1DX-level only feature?? Name me one person who bought a 1DX instead of a lower model simply because of AutoISO.

And while 5D3 AF is great for one shot and pretty solid for AI Servo, I have had some weird things with AI Servo quite a few times and it sure would be interesting to see if these AF fixes would fix them up. I've had a lot of strange failures when large subjects fill most of the VF and move at slow and slightly unsteady paces where the AF is tossed out of focus, randomly every other frame for no apparent reason and a number of other odd things that have kept the keeper rate down to merely good instead of the amazing I'd hoped I see the more and more I've been getting to shoot more action with it.

But if the 5D3 is supposed to have the same AF as the 1DX other than for the RGB meter assisted mode, then why does the 5D3 not rate the AF tune-up?

(granted it would be hard to install a new firmware until ML managed to get RAW video ported over to it though, migh thave to swap back and forth depending upon what the main targets for the day are, I guess)...Show more →

They're not the same. The 1DX's AF has an extra CPU, Canon is just giving their 'FLAGSHIP' model an expensive update due to feedback from the field, 'real use' not just pre-sales testing. They seem to be listening to the folks that use both both X and C bodies. Perhaps 1DX and 1DC owners just yell louder then 5D3 owners do